You are here: Liaison: May 2015

Liaison: the latest news from CCOHS

Infographic: New Worker Safety in Canada

New is new, regardless of age and stage

New workers aren't just those who are entering the work force for the first time. They could also be those facing new hazards for which they are not prepared or adequately trained. They could be returning to work after an absence, only to find that conditions and procedures have changed. Or, they could be working for the same company, but in a new location with different hazards.

Regardless of age or stage, new is new - and these vulnerable workers have 5 to 7 times the risk of injury in the first month of their job.

Our latest infographic outlines what employers can do, covers safety tips for workers including their three rights, and highlights effective training methods.

Like our infographics? We encourage you to share via your online social networks and e-mail. CCOHS also develops posters ideal for printing and display, based on the guidance offered in our infographics.

Get the Tools to Teach WHMIS 2015

Toolkit now available to teach workers about the new WHMIS

Get the information and tools you need to teach workers about WHMIS 2015.

This WHMIS 2015 Instructor's Toolkit is intended for individuals who are responsible for providing WHMIS education in their workplace, and for organizations that need to educate their workforce regarding WHMIS after alignment with GHS.

It provides an introduction to WHMIS 2015 for workers and provides trainers with tools and guidance for this task, placing emphasis on the common hazard classes and workplace scenarios that are likely to be encountered by most business.

The Toolkit consists of an instructor's manual and a PDF copy of presentation slides. Choose from either a print or PDF version of the instructor's manual.

Available as a separate purchase, the Participant Workbook is strongly recommended for each worker in the course. A worksheet included in this 100-page workbook encourages them to answer and record important WHMIS and health and safety information that is specific to their workplace.

Also available: CCOHS has worked in partnership with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Bureau of Health Canada to develop this series of WHMIS 2015 Fact Sheets. These information sheets are a part of CCOHS' free WHMIS 2015 e-courses.

New eCourses on Domestic Violence and Bullying

Understand these forms of violence and how they affect the workplace

Violence in the workplace affects the bottom line and compromises the safety of the workers and the organization. CCOHS has released e-courses focusing on domestic violence and bullying, to help people understand the impact these forms of violence can have on the workplace, and how risks can be mitigated.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain power and control over another with whom he/she has or has had a personal relationship. It may include physical violence, sexual, emotional and psychological intimidation, verbal abuse or manipulation, stalking, and the use of electronic devices to harass and control.
Although domestic violence may not be recognized by some employers or workers as a workplace hazard, it can interfere with the victim at work and impact a workplace. Recognize the signs and symptoms of domestic violence, and what employers and employees can do about it.

Bullying is defined as a repeated, persistent and continuous behavior, as opposed to a single negative act. Generally, perceiving a power imbalance between the victim and the perpetrator, the victim feels inferior whether this imbalance is there or not.

Understand the effects of bullying on the organization and on workers, recognize the signs, and learn about tools to assist the victim, co-workers, supervisors and the employer to recognize, assess and control bullying.

Ages and Stages: Working Safely and Well Together

Watch the recorded webinar anytime

When workers are at different ages and stages, occupational health and safety research has shown that they can have different mental and physical needs. Join Jan Chappel as she outlines how workers - whether they are new to the working world, young, aging, or part of another vulnerable working population - can benefit from a well-planned approach to health and safety.

Find out what your organization needs to keep in mind when developing workplace health and safety orientation, communications and programs, so that everyone, at any age or stage, can stay safe and well and succeed at work.

This 30-minute session was presented during NAOSH Week and is available for on-demand viewing.

Also available: CCOHS hosted a Twitter chat to continue the discussion on this topic. Access the transcript.

Featured e-Course: Personal Protective Equipment: The Basics

This course provides a practical introduction to the most common types of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to protect against common workplace hazards, such as chemicals, noise and mechanical injury.

We've compiled all the legislation you need in one convenient online location. Standards from the CSA Group and the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) referenced in the legislation are just a click away for fast, easy reference.

FYI

If you have any questions, e-mail infomms@ccohs.ca.

What's New in the MSDS Management Service

The MSDS Management Service (MMS) team has been working diligently to improve the online custom MSDS collection services that you receive in light of the announced changes to WHMIS, and to enhance your overall experience:

A "CCOHS Last Reviewed Date" will be displayed on the MSDS/SDS summary search page so you (and auditors) will know when it has been validated.

Documents will be identified as either WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015.

Access a historical archive of a product's MSDS/SDS. This feature will allow you to view older versions of the MSDS/SDS for that product.

Wally shares his story of how he was injured on the job as a young worker, how the experience impacted him and his family, as well as the lessons he wishes to pass down to future generations of workers.